Giuridico e Amministrativo

🏩 Lufthansa's acquisition of 41% of Ita Airways is set for closure on January 13. The deal involves a €325 million capital increase. The new board will have 5 members, with the majority (3) appointed by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, which retains a 59% stake. Jorg Eberhart is the expected CEO. The Italian carrier began operations on October 15, 2021, and by January 2022, it announced privatization intentions, with Lufthansa securing the deal post-EU Antitrust approval.

✈ Lufthansa is set to acquire 41% of Ita Airways with a closing date for the deal announced for Monday, January 13. The agreement, which involves a capital increase of 325 million euros, comes after tumultuous events since Ita Airways began operations on October 15, 2021. The board will consist of 5 members, 3 from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (holding 59%) and 2 from Lufthansa. Jorg Eberhart is the speculated front-runner for CEO position. The EU Antitrust clearance was required before finalizing the date.

📌 The first strike of 2025 on January 10 affects transportation in Italy, with buses, trains, and planes facing disruptions. Following a record 622 strikes in 2024, the action begins on January 8 with the Ugl union's ferry strike in Sicily. On January 9, Rfi rail maintenance workers from Cub transport strike for 24 hours. January 10 will see Cobas Lavoro Privato, Coordinamento Ferrovieri, and Assemblea Nazionale Lavoratori Manutenzione Rfi rail workers halt services. Local transport workers from Confail Fasa will strike for 4 hours with variances by city. In Milan, Atm group workers strike from 8:45 to 12:45, while ATAC in Rome disrupts from 8:30 to 12:30. Air travel will be affected, particularly in Milan, Venice, and Pisa, with Linate, Malpensa, Venice, and Filcams Cgil Pisa airport workers participating.

🛩 Major aviation constructors are facing delays affecting expansion plans for major and low-cost airlines. Boeing is recovering from B737 Max and Dreamliner issues; Airbus struggles with Pratt & Whitney engine shortages and fulfilling orders. Chinese Comac seeks European market entry, challenging the Boeing-Airbus duopoly with its C919, already used by Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern Airlines. However, European aviation voices, like Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, express concerns over Comac's quality, safety, and supply chain standards.

💸 Instant transfers are now available for everyone at no additional cost, as per new EU rules enacted from regulations approved in March. These rules, included in the community regulation 2024/886, ensure customers can send and receive transactions in 10 seconds with no fees, time limits, or extra charges. This change equates instant transfers with ordinary ones, aiming to make traditional bank services more competitive with platforms like PayPal or Satispay.

🚀 Emirates launched its Airbus A350 service recently, with the inaugural flight from Edinburgh to Dubai. By March, the A350 will operate in Bologna and has already serviced Kuwait and Bahrain since January 8. Adnan Kazim, the airline's Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the A350's advanced on-board features setting new global aviation standards. The plane is the first of 65 A350s joining Emirates' fleet, promising new cabin designs, enhanced passenger comfort, and the quietest twin-aisle cabin. Destinations like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Colombo, Lyon, and Muscat will soon be connected, featuring upgraded Business and Premium Economy cabins, 4K and 4K HDR touchscreens, higher ceilings, wider aisles, and faster Wi-Fi.

🏠 Activists known as Robin Hood sabotaged key-lockers across Italy, including Turin, Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Rome, Naples, Catania, and Palermo, protesting for housing rights. They used quick-setting glue and left stickers with the famous thief's hat. Their movement criticizes the government and demands solutions to the national housing crisis, threatening to disrupt tourism until concrete actions are taken. They emphasize the need for an eviction moratorium, especially during Rome's Giubileo, which they argue exacerbates inequalities.

🛍 Neinver outlets Vicolungo and Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets saw a 30% increase in visitors on the first discount weekend compared to 2023. With 150 and 110 boutiques respectively, sales rose across all categories, including food services. Discounts will run until February 23.

🍷 Italy's Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (Masaf) has allocated over €323 million for the OCM Vino (Common Organization of the Wine Market) 2025/2026. The funds will support vineyard restructuring (€144 million), international promotion (€98 million), business investments (€57.6 million), byproduct distillation (€19.2 million), and green harvesting (€4.8 million). Sicily receives the largest share with €51.2 million, followed by Veneto (€40.7 million) and Puglia (€29.4 million). Unspent funds will be redistributed based on regions' spending capacity and specific criteria.

🍷 Global alcohol sales are in decline, influenced by anti-alcohol campaigns, such as the one in the USA proposing consumer cancer risk warnings on labels. Italy's stricter DUI laws impact on-premise consumption, especially during holidays. Younger generations (Gen Z) show less interest in spirits, valuing sustainability and low-alcohol options. The non-alcoholic RTD category is expected to grow by over $4 billion by 2028. Luxury brands like Moët Hennessy's French Bloom are now offering alcohol-free options. The newly elected US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies threaten the sector with a potential 10% cost increase due to new tariffs.